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-   -   Toilet is not clogged but doesn't flush (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=310360)

  • Jan 29, 2009, 01:41 PM
    speck283
    Toilet is not clogged but doesn't flush
    One of our toilets is not visablly clogged (I used the plumbers helper several times and nothing seems to be clogged) however, when I flush the toilet, all the water does not leave the bowl upon that flush. Instead, the bowl fills up about three quarters full but does not leave or release from the bowl - the new water just stays in the bowl. After some time the water level goes back to normal and then when I flush again - the water once again adds to the bowl but does not flush out. Does anyone have any ideas. Thank you - Steven
  • Jan 29, 2009, 02:16 PM
    FritzW

    If the water is rising in the bowl when flushed, the clog is worse. If the water goes down over a longer period the clog is less or "partial". Try using a plunger to push the obstruction down through the toilet. Sometimes an item (toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, etc.) lodged in the toilet "S" drain area will cause a partial clog. The water will go down slowly and a plunger won't seem to do the trick. In this case you may need to pull the obstruction back out into the bowl area of the toilet. You might be able to do this with a coat hanger that has the end bent into a hook shape. If you can't get the obstruction cleared this way, you probably need a plumbing snake and then, quite honestly, I'd recommend using a plumber. :) But that's just me. :)
  • Jan 29, 2009, 03:42 PM
    drumerboy33

    Yes ,you do have a clogged toilet, if you have a older toilet with hard water in your house, the trap way in the toilet can become calcified therefore shrinking the size of the outlet hole causing paper to clog very easily.. just a possibility, but anyway if a plunger does not take care of the problem, you will need a toilet auger, home depot will have them cheap one, 20$ professional grade 49$ but they will do the job
  • Jan 29, 2009, 03:43 PM
    massplumber2008
    2 Attachment(s)
    Hey speck:

    First, make sure the refill tube in the toilet tank is connected to the overflow tube. If not this could cause the issue you are referring to.

    Next, if the tube is connected and water is flowing into overflow tube you should
    Fill a 5 gallon bucket of water and throw into the toilet bowl and see what happens. If toilet drains/flushes correctly then I'm betting the problem is with toilet tank parts. If toilet doesn't flush then there is something causing issue that the "plumber's helper) could not push through.

    In this case, purchase a CLOSET AUGER ($20.00... see pictures) at a local home improvement store. Then see if you can unclog the toilet that way. Check out this link to see how (starts slow, will show you how tool works):

    YouTube - Unclog a Toilet

    If that doesn't work then you may need to remove the toilet and see what is stuck inside.

    Let me know what you think here...

    MARK

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